8 Amazing Natural Attractions in 'Eua

The Breathtaking Natural Sights on ‘Eua

The island of ‘Eua is a world of its own. Tonga’s oldest island is incidentally home to Tonga’s oldest rainforest, now protected as the ‘Eua National Park, and has been carved by the ocean for millions of years to create an array of interesting coastal formations. Check out some of the natural attractions in ‘Eua in the list below!

Plus, learn more about the island in The Complete Guide to ‘Eua.

1. ‘Eua National Park

Tonga’s largest national park is the obvious go-to for nature in Tonga. Ways to experience the ‘Eua National Park is either by hiking or by taking a 4WD tour to check out some of the stunning natural attractions on this list that we will get to later. While you’re visiting the park, look out for birds, like the iconic red shining parrot that was introduced to the island in prehistoric times.

Location: East side of ‘Eua

2. Fangatave Cliffs

On the northeastern side of the island are some incredible limestone cliffs backing Fangatave Beach. Not only is this a hotspot for rock climbing for those with their own gear, but there is a whole scattering of limestone caves to explore as you make your way down to the beach. Guides are available at many of the accommodations on ‘Eua to take you to this amazing spot.

Location: Northeastern side of ‘Eua

3. Laku Fa’anga Cliffs and Rock Gardens

There are many features of natural beauty to admire in the south of the island which can be seen on the Rock Gardens Walk. First, check out the rocky outcrops on the clifftops that make up the “Rock Gardens”, then look out over the Laku Fa’anga Cliffs to see an array of seabirds flying to and from their nesting grounds on the cliffs. Learn more about this walk in the 5 Best Hikes in ‘Eua.

Location: South coast of ‘Eua

4. Liangahu’o ‘a Maui Landbridge

Also found on the walk mentioned above, Liangahu’o ‘a Maui is an archway or a “landbridge” carved into the southern cliffs of ‘Eua. A wooden platform gives you the perfect lookout to peer through the archway to the ocean beyond. Again, check out how to walk to this attraction in the 5 Best Hikes in ‘Eua.

Location: South coast of ‘Eua

5. Ha’aluma Beach

‘Eua has a fair few beaches in between its rocky exterior of the island, one of the must-visits being Ha’aluma Beach. The bright white-sand beach sweeps across the southwest coast of the island, photo-worthy for its verdant vegetation backing the sand and patterns of coral and tidal pools in the shallows. Swimming is generally safe here but just be careful of the outgoing tide and look out for strong currents.

Location: South of ‘Eua on your way to Laku Fa’anga Cliffs

6. ‘Ovava Tree

Also called the “Big ‘Ovava Tree”, anyone referring to the ‘Ovava Tree is referring to an incredibly large banyan tree is the ‘Eua forest. See hundreds of the tree’s roots draping from above, some of which delve down into a sinkhole below. The ‘Ovava Tree is a popular stop on 4WD tours, while it is also accessible on the Forest Plantation Hike.

Location: Eastern side of ‘Eua. Down the road east of Kolomaile

7. Cathedral Cave

This natural attraction can only be admired by certified scuba divers. Cathedral Cave is a huge underwater sea cave the measures 100m (330ft) long, 50m (165ft) wide and 30m (100ft) deep. The marine life in here itself is reason enough to check this amazing dive site out. Learn more about how to get there with the operators mentioned in The Best Scuba Diving Tours in ‘Eua.

8. Lokupo Lookout, Laua Lookout and Rats Cave

For those delving into the ‘Eua National Park, there are some amazing vantage points to find. The Lokupo and Lau Lookouts are destinations on some of the guided hikes available in the ‘Eua National Park, as is Rats Cave, which frames amazing views of the national park’s forest and beaches through a cave opening. Learn how to get there in our ‘Eua hiking list.

Location: ‘Eua National Park

More Natural Attractions in Tonga

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page